Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Bake

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this creamy chicken and dumplings bake, a delightful twist on a classic. Succulent chicken thighs and tender vegetables are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, baked to perfection in a casserole dish. The highlight, fluffy golden-brown dumplings, nestle atop the creamy filling, soaking up every bit of the savory goodness. This dish offers an irresistible contrast of textures and a symphony of comforting flavors, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a heartwarming meal on a chilly evening. Simplifies the traditional method, delivering all the beloved tastes of chicken and dumplings in an easy-to-serve baked format.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
45 min
Total time
1 hr 15 min
Servings
8

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. 2In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. 3Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  5. 5Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer while stirring until thickened. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. 6Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the frozen peas and chopped fresh parsley. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Dumplings

  1. 1In a medium bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups flour, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, combine the 3/4 cup milk and 2 tbsp melted butter.
  3. 3Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Assemble and Bake

  1. 1Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable filling in the baking dish. Do not spread them flat.
  2. 2Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly. The internal temperature of the dumplings should reach 200-205°F (93-96°C).
  3. 3Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort food!

Nutrition Information

Calories
550 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
45 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories550 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat25 g
Carbs45 g

Tips

  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking; this ensures a consistent texture throughout the comforting bake.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning chicken to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming, building flavor.
  • Pair this hearty bake with a simple side salad to balance the richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.

By Chef Michael Ilin